Afro Nation is a relatively new festival but it’s already expanding rapidly — just like the genre it aims to highlight. While the first edition took place in Portugal in 2022, Afro Nation just held its first stateside event in Miami ahead of its return to Europe this summer. Ahead of this weekend’s festivities in Miami, Afro Nation has revealed its next expansion. On August 19 and 29, Afro Nation is taking over the former site of the Brewster-Douglass public housing projects in Detroit, Michigan for its third event of the year.
As with its prior show in Miami, AND will be headlined by Burna Boy, although Wizkid will be replaced with Davido, while they’ll be supported by US stars like Ari Lennox, Coi Leray, Latto, and Masego, as well as rising Nigerian stars Kizz Daniel and sibling duo P-Square. And just like prior iterations, the Detroit event will have an Amapiano stage to showcase some of the South African dance genre’s flourishing DJs along with a comedy show, block party, discussions and panels, and something called a Motown special, paying homage to the city’s musical roots.
Tickets are due to go on sale on Friday, June 2. You can get more information at Afro Nation’s Detroit website.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
When the actor, who can next be seen in The Starling Girl (in theaters now), was asked about his own list of go-to summer films, Pullman’s picks are less concerned with the spectacle associated with summer blockbusters – the fighter jets, the explosions, the near-death rescue missions – and more focused on the feelings and memories these movies create. He remembers the ritual of renting movies at Blockbuster and Rocket Video, watching them with his dad, actor Bill Pullman, and the rest of the family, and dissecting them afterward over ice cream.
“It was as much about the conversation afterward as it was about the movie. It’s almost like the movie was the appetizer to the discussion,” he tells UPROXX. “That’s where I really grew my love for movies. My brother and sister, mom and dad, all just talking about our favorite parts, what we wished had happened, what our favorite performances were, and what we would’ve done differently. My parents were always pushing us to think critically. So going to the movies was like church for me.”
Pullman’s latest, The Starling Girl, is a loaded coming-of-age drama about a young girl named Jem (Eliza Scanlen) growing up in a religiously strict community. It’s another summer offering, albeit one his fans likely wouldn’t expect. After playing brooding cowboys and lovable cockpit pilots, the actor embraces his dark side so to speak, playing a youth pastor named Owen whose friendly façade hides his sinister nature. And when he starts up a taboo relationship with young Jem, she’s the one who suffers the most.
“I think the hope was that maybe there are some people in the audiences who have participated in a relationship like this and who have acted like Owen has,” Pullman says of why he took the role. “Hopefully we could make Owen approachable enough so that they could see themselves in him a little bit and be reflective of their actions. Because I think if he’s just a pure villain, they would walk out and say, ‘Well that’s not me. I don’t have to relate to that guy. I would never do anything like that.’ And they would maybe miss an opportunity to look within.”
Below, UPROXX invited the actor to share his favorite summer movies and why he thinks they deserve a watch.
20th Century Fox
Y Tu Mama Tambien
Alfonso Cuaron’s sexy, smart, subversive tale about two teenage friends in Mexico looking to make the most of their summer via a spontaneous road trip with an older woman is Pullman’s out-of-the-gate rec for a great summer watch. “[It] makes you want to get outside, it makes you want to travel,” Pullman says. “[It] makes you want to get in the sunshine.”
Universal
Dazed And Confused
“That one’s a blast,” Pullman says of the Richard Linklater coming-of-age comedy that gave Matthew McConaughey his iconic turn of phrase. The film follows a group of high school freshmen in the 70s enjoying a night of keg parties and pool hall clashes and all kinds of firsts associated with young adulthood. “You want to hang and stay up late with friends [to] watch it.”
New Line Cinema
Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson’s porn odyssey boasting a breakout performance from Mark Wahlberg might seem like another surprising choice for a quintessential summer movie but Pullman’s here to sway you. “Boogie Nights is all about finding your purpose, even if that means being a porn star,” he explains. “It’s all about the possibility of who you can be and what you can become.” Point made, but his strongest argument for Boogie Nights belonging on your binge-watch list is this: “Anything Mark Wahlberg with his shirt off is a great summer movie.”
20th Century Studios
Speed
The Sandra Bullock-starring action thriller with Keanu Reeves squaring off against a bomb-happy psychopath while riding L.A. public transport is another high-ranking blockbuster Pullman admits to watching over and over again. “I’ve got to pop Speed in,” he says of his summer movie choices. “It’s timeless.”
Paramount
Hot Rod
An Andy Samberg-starring comedy about an accident-prone wannabe stuntman? “I don’t know, I just love Hot Rod,” Pullman answers. “It’s a sunshine banger.” It’s also got an amazing cast and the same kind of comedic genius that can be found in other Lonely Island member-associated projects like Popstar.
20th Century Studios
Independence Day
In the spirit of honesty, we have to disclose that Lewis Pullman initially did not name this Roland Emmerich-directed action flick as a summer movie must-watch. It took a bit of memory-jogging and name-checking his dad’s epic, Braveheart-esque speech delivered before humanity’s final battle with extraterrestrial invaders for Pullman to add it to the list. “Oh, my God. That is the ultimate. I mean, you can’t even say it because it’s so obvious,” he jokingly explains. “July 4th, pop it on the big screen and sit back with a Bud… I’m backtracking now.”
Bleecker Street
The Starling Girl
Filled with impressive performances and insightful storytelling, director Laurel Parmet’s intimate look at religion and the constraints it puts on young women isn’t your typical summer watch but it might inspire you to put a new state on your travel bucket list. “We shot this in Kentucky and it was one of the most beautiful summers I’ve had because it’s so lush there,” Pullman explains. “It’s full of life. It has this vivaciousness. It feels like a fresh plot of land that is ready to have a whole new crop planted. And it translates into the movie. There are a lot of beautiful moments where Jem, Eliza’s character, is experiencing freedom and expression and agency and power. And I think those are all things that you want to kind of feel in the summertime.”
Debates can definitely be made, but gin with its complex floral, herbal, and botanical flavor profile might be the best warm-weather spirit. Sure, you can come at us with rum takes and even throw in some vodka hype our way, but gin is the true winner when it comes to spring and summer. It’s great neat, on the rocks, and mixed into gin gimlets, Spanish gin and tonics, and a whole host of other fresh, bright, floral gin-based cocktails.
The best part? Unlike some other spirits, gin is (mostly) more affordable. There are countless well-made, award-winning, reasonably-priced gins. To enjoy great gin, you don’t need to take out a second mortgage on your parents’ house or sell your favorite NFTs. All you need is around $20-30 bucks.
To prove it, we found eight of the best and blindly nosed and tasted each one. And this wasn’t an easy task because, even though gin is well-known for its juniper-forward flavor, there are countless herbs and botanicals that can be used to add extra depth and flavor. Meaning it varies widely. For this experiment, we selected a mix of smaller craft gins as well as some well-known brands. We stayed away from the household names in favor of the lesser-known, more underrated offerings.
Keep scrolling to see how it all turned out.
The Lineup:
Martin Miller’s Gin
3 Howls Classic Gin
Prairie Organic Gin
Esme Gin
Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Hofland Gin
Citadelle Gin
Greenall’s London Dry Gin
Part 1: Under $30 Gin Blind Tasting
Taste #1
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
The nose is fairly muted, but there are subtle aromas of pine, citrus peels, and coriander. The palate continues this trend. While juniper is definitely the main event, it’s fairly light. There’s more coriander, lemon zest, and some floral flavors. Overall, it’s just kind of unexciting.
Taste #2
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
A complex nose of orange peels, wildflowers, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices greet you before your first sip. The palate is juniper-forward, but also licorice, orange peels, and a ton of floral notes. It’s pine, citrus, and a ton of spice.
It’s a very well-rounded, flavorful gin.
Taste #3
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
Pine needles, juniper, orange zest, licorice, and a field of wildflowers greet you before your first sip. The palate has a nice kick of juniper, but it’s the citrus that truly takes center stage. Orange blossoms, lemon rinds, cucumber, coriander, licorice, white pepper, and a floral backbone make it a truly memorable gin.
Taste #4
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
There are a ton of herbal aromas on the nose as well as the expected juniper berries, orange peels, lemongrass, gentle spices, and a ton of floral rose. The palate is pleasantly sweet with pine needles, juniper, orange blossoms, lemon peels, cucumber, and a nice hint of rosewater at the end. It’s an interesting, very mixable gin.
Taste #5
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
The nose is heavy on floral, pine, citrus peels, and juniper. The palate is more of the same. It’s easy to drink, but the flavor palate doesn’t go much beyond those original flavors. There’s really nothing else discernable. It’s just okay.
Taste #6
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
Juniper is big at the forefront of this gin’s nose. But it’s not overpowering. Grains of paradise, honey, cracked black pepper, and aromatic floral aromas are also there. The palate is surprisingly sweet for a gin with honey, pine needles, citrus peels, and a nice mix of floral and wintry spices at the finish.
Sweet, spicy, and highly mixable.
Taste #7
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, there’s a ton of Meyer lemon, pine needles, and light floral hints. It doesn’t lean too heavily in any flavor. On the palate, there’s a good deal of piney juniper to set the stage. Then comes grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon flavors. It ends with floral and gentle spices. Overall, a very well-balanced gin.
Taste #8
Christopher Osburn
Tasting Notes:
The nose is all lemon zest, wildflowers, spices, and a ton of piney juniper. It sets the stage for what’s to come. Drinking it reveals more juniper, pine needles, coriander, and other spices, and a ton of orange peel and lemon zest. It’s bright, piney, and floral, and has a nice citrus element.
All of Prairie Organic’s spirits are made with 100% USDA-certified organic corn. It’s sustainable and classic, clean, and easy to drink or mix with. The brand doesn’t release the botanicals included, but it’s juniper-forward with a ton of floral and citrus flavors.
Bottom Line:
If you buy this gin, you can be happy that you’re doing your part to drink an organic, sustainably produced gin. Otherwise, it’s… just alright. Nothing special.
Greenall’s is one of the oldest gin distillers in England with its genesis in 1761. It might not have the name recognition of some of the larger brands, but it’s stood the test of time. Its London dry gin is flavored with eight herbs and botanicals, including juniper berries, angelica root, and coriander.
Bottom Line:
This isn’t a bad gin as long you’re not looking for a ton of flavor. If you prefer your gins light on flavor and simply used as a mixer, this is a decent pick for you.
Bluecoat American Dry Gin is made with 100% USDA-certified organic botanicals from “around the world” according to the distillery’s site. Some of the main ingredients include juniper berries, lemon peels (and other citrus), coriander seeds, and angelica root.
Bottom Line:
This is a good example of an American dry gin done right. It’s subtle and mixable, yet highly complex and flavorful.
You might know this gin as “3 Howls Old Fashioned Gin”. Well, it’s not called that anymore because they were required to change it to avoid confusion with the classic cocktail. It’s 90-proof and known for its mix of botanicals and balanced, highly mixable flavor profile.
Bottom Line:
This is the kind of balanced, complex mixable gins that you’ll want to have on your home bar cart or in your liquor cabinet at all times.
Probably the most well-known gin on this list, Citadelle is a French gin made by well-known cognac maker Maison Ferrand. It’s a highly aromatic and flavor spirit infused with myriad herbs and botanicals including juniper berries, nutmeg, almond, cinnamon, star anise, orris root, fennel, orange peel, cardamon, lemon peel, grains of paradise, and more.
Bottom Line:
There’s a reason Citadelle is a popular gin. It’s loaded with so many herbs and botanicals, it’s hard to find them all in one sample. It’s the kind of gin you’ll drink for months and find a new flavor each time.
Holland is well-known for its gin and genever prowess. There are a ton of big-name brands. But you definitely shouldn’t sleep on Hofland. A London dry gin, Hofland is known for its balance. It’s infused with eight, specifically selected herbs and botanicals including juniper berries, vanilla, ginger, coriander, orris root, angelica root, and licorice.
Bottom Line:
This is a very unique gin. It’s sweeter than most gins but has a great, balanced flavor profile perfect for mixing.
This French gin begins as a neutral grain spirit made from wheat. It’s known for its unique flavor profile featuring juniper berries, hibiscus, rose petals, and cucumber. It’s piney, fruity, filled with citrus, and sublimely floral.
Bottom Line:
Similar to Hendrick’s with its rose petals and cucumbers, Esme is a great choice for gin & tonics and other fresh, summery cocktails.
Martin Miller’s gin is a very interesting spirit. It’s distilled in England with a floral and citrus-forward list of botanicals before being blended with pure Icelandic spring water. It’s aromatic, flavorful, clean, and perfect for sipping neat or mixed into your favorite cocktail.
Bottom Line:
For the price, it’s tough to beat the appeal of Martin Miller’s gin. It’s clean and flavorful. One sip and you’ll never want to be without it on your shelf.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
Juniper is the star of gin. It’s the flavor you either love or hate when it comes to this spirit. While it’s a note that is definitely looked forward to, the gins we enjoy use it as a base and have other herbs and botanicals that back it up like the best background singers of all time. Looking at the top three, balance is key — re-read those tasting notes and pick the bottle that sounds best to you!
Although New York and Los Angeles generally get all of the love, when it comes to the country’s best cocktail scenes, Miami promises to give those monsters of mixology a run for their money. From tropical backyard oases to dark, speakeasy-style hideaways, Miami’s craft cocktail scene spans a variety of neighborhoods, ambiances, and approaches. Of course, you have to know where to go. And what to order when you’re there.
That’s what we’re here for. Our new City Cocktail Guide series not only sends you to the best places to drink in a given city, but also drills down on exactly what to order off of the list—as well as what to expect in terms of expertise, food, and ambiance. We’re kicking it off with a jaunt to the 305 (cue Mr. Worldwide) and letting you in on the best places for craft cocktails in the Magic City.
Sweet Liberty Drink & Supply Co.
The Cocktail Bar:
There’s so much to love about Sweet Liberty. From its neon-lit interior to its immense cocktail list to its incredibly hospitable staff, this world-class cocktail bar can simply do it all. Located in Collins Park on the northeastern end of South Beach, this bustling cocktail bar is the brainchild of award-winning bartenders John Lermayer and Dan Binkiewicz, with David Martinez and Michelle Berstein behind the food.
Sweet Liberty’s cocktail lists offer 35 thoughtfully curated concoctions to choose from, broken down into five sections: New Skool, That Spritz Life, John’s Legacy List, The Highball Initiative, and The Martini Chronicles. And did we mention that the bar offers one of the best happy hours in town? Open from 4 pm to 5 am daily (save for Sunday, when the bar opens at noon), you really can’t go wrong here.
What to Drink:
Sweet Liberty’s happy hour cocktails are certainly a lot more complex than most—and while we’re all about enjoying the delights of a $10 drink, we definitely recommend ordering something off of the standard cocktail list, too. The best happy hour drink on the list is definitely the Palomito, made with Origin vodka, Pamplemousse liqueur, lime, grapefruit, and a black salt rim, which offers a refreshing way to start the evening. However, the Cherry Cola cocktail (American whiskey, cherry heering, cherry eau de vie, maraschino, angostura, cherry coke) promises to invoke a serious sense of nostalgia.
It’s really hard to choose a best cocktail from the standard list, as so much thought has obviously been put into its creation, though the Coconut Sazerac offered refreshment, flavor, and so much texture in one drink, I could hardly believe it. If you love coconut, this is the way to go—and the absinthe kick at the end is simply delightful.
Café la Trova
The Cocktail Bar:
In addition to seriously good eats—plus an ambiance that could get even the stiffest of guests to find their dancing legs—Café la Trova’s renowned drinks have claimed them a regular spot on numerous award lists year in and year out, including the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars (on which the bar currently holds the impressive 21st spot). Spearheaded by Julio Cabrera, this Cuban hotspot is an absolute must-visit for Miami-bound cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Expect Cuban-inspired dishes from award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, as well as live songs played by Trova musicians, all with a delicious craft cocktail in hand.
Although the bar’s Calle Ocho location is slightly off the beaten path, especially for those staying in South Beach, we assure you that the payoff is worth the journey.
What to Drink:
As to be expected, La Trova’s cocktails tend to err on the brighter, more citrus-driven side of things, with tequila, rum, and mezcal used as the majority of the list’s foundations. I sprung for the Chivirico, made with Vida Mezcal, Teremana Tequila, passion fruit, agave syrup, lime juice, Ancho Reyes Verde, and basil foam. While certainly fruit forward, the acidity of the citrus and herbaceousness of the Ancho Reyes Verde, and basil foam rendered the drink completely balanced.
Danté’s Hi-Fi
The Cocktail Bar:
Inspired by the great vinyl listening rooms found in Japan, Dante’s HiFi is a serious vibe—though not quite the stereotypical one you’d expect from Miami. In addition to a rotating list of craft cocktails, the cocktail bar’s dimly lit ambiance offers a “curated musical journey” for each guest that walks in the door, all of which is played on—you guessed it—a record player.
Located in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, this intimate, retro-inspired space is like something straight out of the 1970s, from its brown leather couches to vinyl-lined walls, each of which is sourced directly from the personal collection of the bar’s music director, Richa Medina. Note: Reservations are highly recommended, a $25 deposit is required per person, per reservation, and flip-flops are not allowed.
What to Drink:
Dante’s cocktail list is broken down into three sections: Highballs, seasonal signatures (deemed “Miami-inspired flavors with flair”), and little sippers. As the bar is inspired by Japan, rolling with one of the highballs—all of which are made with Japanese whiskey—is the obvious choice. Similar to how we’d judge a pizza place by its ability to execute a traditional margarita, the same goes for the list’s classic highball. Made with Toki Japanese Whiskey (served iced cold) with seltzer, bitters, and lemon zest, this simple-yet-perfectly-executed drink offers just as much refreshment as its flavorful Miami-inspired counterparts, just without all of the extra added sugar and fruit flavors.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
The Cocktail Bar:
For late-night drinks in a bustling, speakeasy-style bar, look no further than Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery. Open from 7 pm to 3 am daily, this rum-focused bar’s cocktail list is broken down into six sections, ranging from the New Comers Menu to Fancy Drinks to Swizzle Classics, Stirred & Stiff, and more. (Select wine and beers are also available, though… at Swizzle it’s really all about the cocktails.)
Most impressive of all is the bar’s jaw-dropping rum collection, which covers more than 150 references. For those looking to explore Florida’s unique distillation scene, Swizzle offers a Florida Rum Experience for $45, which features four unique pours crafted around the Sunshine State.
In terms of intricacy, the drinks here are quite complex, even those found on the New Comers menu. One thing to note is that food offerings are limited to just a classic burger, wings, and fries here, so don’t come too hungry—though the drinks are the star of the show anyways.
What to Drink:
Rum is the name of the game here, and while other spirits certainly make an appearance on the list, you’d be remiss to enjoy what the bar does best, and that’s rum-based drinks—even better if swizzled, as the bar name suggests—enter the Rhum Swizzle. For reference, swizzles are sour-style drinks churned with a swizzle stick and are generally served over crushed ice. The bar’s eponymous cocktail is made with 100 Proof Rhum J.M. swizzled with watermelon shrub, fresh lime juice, and fresh pineapple juice tastes like a vacation in a glass—AKA, Miami.
Broken Shaker at Freehand
The Cocktail Bar:
Handcrafted cocktails, tasty bites, and a sprawling backyard in the heart of Miami Beach? Sign us up. Overseen by Bar Lab consulting agency, this tropical, drinks-laden paradise was one of the first spots in Miami that really pioneered the city’s cocktail scene, and today, remains just as relevant in terms of unmissable places to hit. The bar’s expansive backyard, ample amount of palm trees, and quiet backyard vibes make it the perfect place to escape the noise of the city—and the bar’s top-notch drinks have garnered it the title of Best American Hotel Bar by Tales of a Cocktail.
Each drink produced at Broken Shaker uses syrups, juices, and infusions crafted from a variety of global herbs and spices, rendering this shaded, outdoor oasis the perfect place to experience an array of international flavors.
What to Drink:
Broken Shaker’s menu features just nine signature cocktails at a time, though their flavor profiles span the entire spectrum. From the tequila-based Thai Thai baby to the spicy, smoky, mezcal-based What’s Up Doc, the bar’s got something for everyone. However, it’s the bar’s Scotch of Thrones that most captured my attention. Made from Aberfeldy Scotch, banana liqueur, creme de cacao, oloroso sherry, and yuzu tonic, the cocktail is a far cry from the sugary, fruit-forward drinks one would expect from Miami, though I appreciated the spirit-forward depart—plus, the hint of banana added just the right amount of tropical, Florida-inspired tropical touch.
Beaker & Gray
The Cocktail Bar:
Deemed one of the best eateries and cocktail bars in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, Beaker & Gray specializes in craft cocktails and shareable plates. Overseen by longtime friends Brian Nasajon (chef/owner) and Ben Potts (bar manager/owner), this award-winning cocktail bar offers an ideal happy medium for all types of cocktail fans, from novice drinks to expert industry folk and beyond. Beaker & Gray gets its name from the classic bar and restaurant tools—a beaker for mixing and a gray spoon for plating—used to craft dishes and libations focused on quality.
In addition to its robust cocktail program, Beaker & Gray offers a Cocktail of the Day, weekend brunch, and one of the city’s best happy hours, featuring twelve custom cocktails served at just $8 a pop.
What to Drink:
Beaker & Gray’s thoughtfully-curated cocktail list covers all of the flavor profile bases, from fruit-forward and light, to citrus-driven and refreshing, to spirit-forward and strong. The Midoriya Sour is perhaps the most compelling list on the drink, offering a modern take on one of the most famous cocktails of the ‘80s. This rendition, crafted from Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Midori, Svol aquavit, basil, pineapple, and “one for all” foam offers the best of all worlds; sweet and smoky, fruit noted and spirit forward, all with an herbaceous, balancing punch.
Gramps
The Cocktail Bar:
Don’t let the sign fool you—although cold beer and air conditioning are most definitely to be found at Gramps, the bar’s delicious, handmade cocktails are really the star of the show here. Deemed the home of the city’s best Moscow Mule, this multifaceted cocktail bar serves as a backdrop for drag shows, karaoke nights, flea markets, comedy tours, and more. A rotating schedule of events can be found on Gramps’ website, as well as their regularly updated Instagram account.
As Wynwood continues to explode with great places to eat and drink, Gramps is sure to remain a neighborhood staple for both locals and tourists alike.
What to Drink:
As mentioned, at Gramps, it’s all about the Moscow Mule. Made with New Amsterdam vodka, fresh lime juice, homemade ginger syrup, and soda, this refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail is just downright delicious. As they say, why fix what’s not broken? The bar also offers a rotating cocktail of the month, as well as a Slow & Low Old Fashioned, though at the end of the day, the Mule is where it’s at.
Esótico Miami
The Cocktail Bar:
If Hawaiian vibes, Caribbean food, and tropical takes on classic cocktails are what you’re after, then there’s no better place to go than Esótico Miami. Spearheaded by the ever-talented Daniele Dalla Pola, this South Beach gem first opened its doors in 2019—and if it keeps at the trajectory it’s going, will likely remain on go-to lists for years to come. Dalla Pola is nothing short of an expert in tropical flavors and said expertise is beautifully woven throughout the bar’s thoughtfully-crafted riffs on classic cocktails.
A full food menu is also available, which promises to come in handy, should you indulge in one or more of Dalla Pola’s brightly colored concoctions. Additionally, the bar offers an impressive 14 rum flights, only to be outshone by their jaw-dropping rum selection, which spans over 500 references (making it one of the largest in the country!)
What to Drink:
Tropical twists on the classics are the name of the game here, and the Tikicilin immediately won us over. Crafted with Monkey Shoulder Whisky infused with pineapple, fresh lime juice, and vaporized mezcal. For those with an affinity for scotch and smoke, this textured and tasty cocktail is a no-brainer, and the pineapple sub-in for ginger offers a distinctly tropical touch. Think of it like the best of all worlds—the worlds being Scotland, Mexico, and Florida, of course.
Although New York and Los Angeles generally get all of the love, when it comes to the country’s best cocktail scenes, Miami promises to give those monsters of mixology a run for their money. From tropical backyard oases to dark, speakeasy-style hideaways, Miami’s craft cocktail scene spans a variety of neighborhoods, ambiances, and approaches. Of course, you have to know where to go. And what to order when you’re there.
That’s what we’re here for. Our new City Cocktail Guide series not only sends you to the best places to drink in a given city, but also drills down on exactly what to order off of the list—as well as what to expect in terms of expertise, food, and ambiance. We’re kicking it off with a jaunt to the 305 (cue Mr. Worldwide) and letting you in on the best places for craft cocktails in the Magic City.
Sweet Liberty Drink & Supply Co.
The Cocktail Bar:
There’s so much to love about Sweet Liberty. From its neon-lit interior to its immense cocktail list to its incredibly hospitable staff, this world-class cocktail bar can simply do it all. Located in Collins Park on the northeastern end of South Beach, this bustling cocktail bar is the brainchild of award-winning bartenders John Lermayer and Dan Binkiewicz, with David Martinez and Michelle Berstein behind the food.
Sweet Liberty’s cocktail lists offer 35 thoughtfully curated concoctions to choose from, broken down into five sections: New Skool, That Spritz Life, John’s Legacy List, The Highball Initiative, and The Martini Chronicles. And did we mention that the bar offers one of the best happy hours in town? Open from 4 pm to 5 am daily (save for Sunday, when the bar opens at noon), you really can’t go wrong here.
What to Drink:
Sweet Liberty’s happy hour cocktails are certainly a lot more complex than most—and while we’re all about enjoying the delights of a $10 drink, we definitely recommend ordering something off of the standard cocktail list, too. The best happy hour drink on the list is definitely the Palomito, made with Origin vodka, Pamplemousse liqueur, lime, grapefruit, and a black salt rim, which offers a refreshing way to start the evening. However, the Cherry Cola cocktail (American whiskey, cherry heering, cherry eau de vie, maraschino, angostura, cherry coke) promises to invoke a serious sense of nostalgia.
It’s really hard to choose a best cocktail from the standard list, as so much thought has obviously been put into its creation, though the Coconut Sazerac offered refreshment, flavor, and so much texture in one drink, I could hardly believe it. If you love coconut, this is the way to go—and the absinthe kick at the end is simply delightful.
Café la Trova
The Cocktail Bar:
In addition to seriously good eats—plus an ambiance that could get even the stiffest of guests to find their dancing legs—Café la Trova’s renowned drinks have claimed them a regular spot on numerous award lists year in and year out, including the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars (on which the bar currently holds the impressive 21st spot). Spearheaded by Julio Cabrera, this Cuban hotspot is an absolute must-visit for Miami-bound cocktail lovers and foodies alike. Expect Cuban-inspired dishes from award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, as well as live songs played by Trova musicians, all with a delicious craft cocktail in hand.
Although the bar’s Calle Ocho location is slightly off the beaten path, especially for those staying in South Beach, we assure you that the payoff is worth the journey.
What to Drink:
As to be expected, La Trova’s cocktails tend to err on the brighter, more citrus-driven side of things, with tequila, rum, and mezcal used as the majority of the list’s foundations. I sprung for the Chivirico, made with Vida Mezcal, Teremana Tequila, passion fruit, agave syrup, lime juice, Ancho Reyes Verde, and basil foam. While certainly fruit forward, the acidity of the citrus and herbaceousness of the Ancho Reyes Verde, and basil foam rendered the drink completely balanced.
Danté’s Hi-Fi
The Cocktail Bar:
Inspired by the great vinyl listening rooms found in Japan, Dante’s HiFi is a serious vibe—though not quite the stereotypical one you’d expect from Miami. In addition to a rotating list of craft cocktails, the cocktail bar’s dimly lit ambiance offers a “curated musical journey” for each guest that walks in the door, all of which is played on—you guessed it—a record player.
Located in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, this intimate, retro-inspired space is like something straight out of the 1970s, from its brown leather couches to vinyl-lined walls, each of which is sourced directly from the personal collection of the bar’s music director, Richa Medina. Note: Reservations are highly recommended, a $25 deposit is required per person, per reservation, and flip-flops are not allowed.
What to Drink:
Dante’s cocktail list is broken down into three sections: Highballs, seasonal signatures (deemed “Miami-inspired flavors with flair”), and little sippers. As the bar is inspired by Japan, rolling with one of the highballs—all of which are made with Japanese whiskey—is the obvious choice. Similar to how we’d judge a pizza place by its ability to execute a traditional margarita, the same goes for the list’s classic highball. Made with Toki Japanese Whiskey (served iced cold) with seltzer, bitters, and lemon zest, this simple-yet-perfectly-executed drink offers just as much refreshment as its flavorful Miami-inspired counterparts, just without all of the extra added sugar and fruit flavors.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
The Cocktail Bar:
For late-night drinks in a bustling, speakeasy-style bar, look no further than Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery. Open from 7 pm to 3 am daily, this rum-focused bar’s cocktail list is broken down into six sections, ranging from the New Comers Menu to Fancy Drinks to Swizzle Classics, Stirred & Stiff, and more. (Select wine and beers are also available, though… at Swizzle it’s really all about the cocktails.)
Most impressive of all is the bar’s jaw-dropping rum collection, which covers more than 150 references. For those looking to explore Florida’s unique distillation scene, Swizzle offers a Florida Rum Experience for $45, which features four unique pours crafted around the Sunshine State.
In terms of intricacy, the drinks here are quite complex, even those found on the New Comers menu. One thing to note is that food offerings are limited to just a classic burger, wings, and fries here, so don’t come too hungry—though the drinks are the star of the show anyways.
What to Drink:
Rum is the name of the game here, and while other spirits certainly make an appearance on the list, you’d be remiss to enjoy what the bar does best, and that’s rum-based drinks—even better if swizzled, as the bar name suggests—enter the Rhum Swizzle. For reference, swizzles are sour-style drinks churned with a swizzle stick and are generally served over crushed ice. The bar’s eponymous cocktail is made with 100 Proof Rhum J.M. swizzled with watermelon shrub, fresh lime juice, and fresh pineapple juice tastes like a vacation in a glass—AKA, Miami.
Broken Shaker at Freehand
The Cocktail Bar:
Handcrafted cocktails, tasty bites, and a sprawling backyard in the heart of Miami Beach? Sign us up. Overseen by Bar Lab consulting agency, this tropical, drinks-laden paradise was one of the first spots in Miami that really pioneered the city’s cocktail scene, and today, remains just as relevant in terms of unmissable places to hit. The bar’s expansive backyard, ample amount of palm trees, and quiet backyard vibes make it the perfect place to escape the noise of the city—and the bar’s top-notch drinks have garnered it the title of Best American Hotel Bar by Tales of a Cocktail.
Each drink produced at Broken Shaker uses syrups, juices, and infusions crafted from a variety of global herbs and spices, rendering this shaded, outdoor oasis the perfect place to experience an array of international flavors.
What to Drink:
Broken Shaker’s menu features just nine signature cocktails at a time, though their flavor profiles span the entire spectrum. From the tequila-based Thai Thai baby to the spicy, smoky, mezcal-based What’s Up Doc, the bar’s got something for everyone. However, it’s the bar’s Scotch of Thrones that most captured my attention. Made from Aberfeldy Scotch, banana liqueur, creme de cacao, oloroso sherry, and yuzu tonic, the cocktail is a far cry from the sugary, fruit-forward drinks one would expect from Miami, though I appreciated the spirit-forward depart—plus, the hint of banana added just the right amount of tropical, Florida-inspired tropical touch.
Beaker & Gray
The Cocktail Bar:
Deemed one of the best eateries and cocktail bars in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, Beaker & Gray specializes in craft cocktails and shareable plates. Overseen by longtime friends Brian Nasajon (chef/owner) and Ben Potts (bar manager/owner), this award-winning cocktail bar offers an ideal happy medium for all types of cocktail fans, from novice drinks to expert industry folk and beyond. Beaker & Gray gets its name from the classic bar and restaurant tools—a beaker for mixing and a gray spoon for plating—used to craft dishes and libations focused on quality.
In addition to its robust cocktail program, Beaker & Gray offers a Cocktail of the Day, weekend brunch, and one of the city’s best happy hours, featuring twelve custom cocktails served at just $8 a pop.
What to Drink:
Beaker & Gray’s thoughtfully-curated cocktail list covers all of the flavor profile bases, from fruit-forward and light, to citrus-driven and refreshing, to spirit-forward and strong. The Midoriya Sour is perhaps the most compelling list on the drink, offering a modern take on one of the most famous cocktails of the ‘80s. This rendition, crafted from Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Midori, Svol aquavit, basil, pineapple, and “one for all” foam offers the best of all worlds; sweet and smoky, fruit noted and spirit forward, all with an herbaceous, balancing punch.
Gramps
The Cocktail Bar:
Don’t let the sign fool you—although cold beer and air conditioning are most definitely to be found at Gramps, the bar’s delicious, handmade cocktails are really the star of the show here. Deemed the home of the city’s best Moscow Mule, this multifaceted cocktail bar serves as a backdrop for drag shows, karaoke nights, flea markets, comedy tours, and more. A rotating schedule of events can be found on Gramps’ website, as well as their regularly updated Instagram account.
As Wynwood continues to explode with great places to eat and drink, Gramps is sure to remain a neighborhood staple for both locals and tourists alike.
What to Drink:
As mentioned, at Gramps, it’s all about the Moscow Mule. Made with New Amsterdam vodka, fresh lime juice, homemade ginger syrup, and soda, this refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail is just downright delicious. As they say, why fix what’s not broken? The bar also offers a rotating cocktail of the month, as well as a Slow & Low Old Fashioned, though at the end of the day, the Mule is where it’s at.
Esótico Miami
The Cocktail Bar:
If Hawaiian vibes, Caribbean food, and tropical takes on classic cocktails are what you’re after, then there’s no better place to go than Esótico Miami. Spearheaded by the ever-talented Daniele Dalla Pola, this South Beach gem first opened its doors in 2019—and if it keeps at the trajectory it’s going, will likely remain on go-to lists for years to come. Dalla Pola is nothing short of an expert in tropical flavors and said expertise is beautifully woven throughout the bar’s thoughtfully-crafted riffs on classic cocktails.
A full food menu is also available, which promises to come in handy, should you indulge in one or more of Dalla Pola’s brightly colored concoctions. Additionally, the bar offers an impressive 14 rum flights, only to be outshone by their jaw-dropping rum selection, which spans over 500 references (making it one of the largest in the country!)
What to Drink:
Tropical twists on the classics are the name of the game here, and the Tikicilin immediately won us over. Crafted with Monkey Shoulder Whisky infused with pineapple, fresh lime juice, and vaporized mezcal. For those with an affinity for scotch and smoke, this textured and tasty cocktail is a no-brainer, and the pineapple sub-in for ginger offers a distinctly tropical touch. Think of it like the best of all worlds—the worlds being Scotland, Mexico, and Florida, of course.
Will Ferrell, who is no stranger to playing iconic sportscasters, is in “early talks” to portray Super Bowl-winning football coach-turned-announcer-turned-video game legend John Madden in a biopic. Somewhere out there, Frank Caliendo is fuming.
Deadline reports that Madden “picks up with the legendarily fiery coach after his exit from the NFL, as he teams with Electronic Arts to become the unlikely co-creator of a pioneering video game franchise.”
Madden is based on a script by Cambron Clark and will be directed by David O. Russell, who made one of 2022’s biggest flops. It’s also a throwback, of sorts, to when Ferrell seemingly only starred in sports movies. Madden isn’t a straight-up comedy like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Blades of Glory, and Semi-Pro, but John Madden was a funny guy with a larger-than-life presence.
This isn’t the first time Madden (who passed away in 2021) and Ferrell have crossed paths. After the actor appeared in Spring Training games for multiple MLB teams on the same night to raise money for charity in 2015, Madden said, “I hate it. That’s a lack of respect. That’s a lack of respect for the game and a [lack of] respect for what players have to do to get where they are.” This will presumably not be covered in the movie, but there better be at least one Avenged Sevenfold song on the soundtrack.
Will Ferrell, who is no stranger to playing iconic sportscasters, is in “early talks” to portray Super Bowl-winning football coach-turned-announcer-turned-video game legend John Madden in a biopic. Somewhere out there, Frank Caliendo is fuming.
Deadline reports that Madden “picks up with the legendarily fiery coach after his exit from the NFL, as he teams with Electronic Arts to become the unlikely co-creator of a pioneering video game franchise.”
Madden is based on a script by Cambron Clark and will be directed by David O. Russell, who made one of 2022’s biggest flops. It’s also a throwback, of sorts, to when Ferrell seemingly only starred in sports movies. Madden isn’t a straight-up comedy like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Blades of Glory, and Semi-Pro, but John Madden was a funny guy with a larger-than-life presence.
This isn’t the first time Madden (who passed away in 2021) and Ferrell have crossed paths. After the actor appeared in Spring Training games for multiple MLB teams on the same night to raise money for charity in 2015, Madden said, “I hate it. That’s a lack of respect. That’s a lack of respect for the game and a [lack of] respect for what players have to do to get where they are.” This will presumably not be covered in the movie, but there better be at least one Avenged Sevenfold song on the soundtrack.
Below, I’m going to taste test eight modern classic craft bourbons. They all have tons of awards and tend to break through the static of an over-saturated bourbon market. For this exercise, I’ve focused on a batch of slightly wider known craft bourbons. And there’s something for everyone — barrel strength, bottled in bond, special finishes, and high-rye pours are all in the mix. Plus, some of these you can actually get outside of their home regions (some are even nationwide), which means that you might be able to try these bourbons wherever you are.
More importantly, I kept this to small-time craft producers. That means that there is no sourced juice at all. A lot of craft producers will source Kentucky, Indiana, or Tennessee whiskeys to cut with their own juice until their original stuff is old enough to sell. We can talk about them on a different day. This is all whiskey that’s actually made, grain to glass, by a small to mid-sized distillery. Whether or not that producer/distiller has a big contract with a huge distributor/international spirits corporation is not a consideration at all.
Every single one of these bourbons is made by a small team of very passionate people in a distillery that sometimes could fit in your backyard. Period. That makes our lineup today the following craft bourbons:
When it comes to ranking these bourbon pours after the blind tasting, I’m going solely on taste. Luckily, these were all really tasty bourbons (in one way or another), so ranking them was a delight. Okay, let’s jump in and find you a great craft bourbon to add to your bar cart!
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months
Nose: Mocha and leather mix on the nose with fresh-cut green grass and piping hot cornbread dripping with butter and caramel sauce with a deep chili spice attached to orchard fruits.
Palate: The palate starts off with a nice and subtle barrel char leading toward Almond Roca toffees, cherry-chili tobacco, and velvety vanilla cream with a sense of red spices with just the right amount of sharpness.
Finish: The finish leans into a stewed apple with a hint of clove and sassafras that, in turn, leads to almond tobacco and plenty of cedar wrapped in old leather.
Initial Thoughts:
This is f*cking delicious whiskey.
Taste 2
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Fruity cherry gummies mingle with raw sourdough bread dough, vanilla beans, dry grass, and burnt brown sugars on the nose.
Palate: The taste has a corn chip/husk vibe that leads to tart cranberry, more of that vanilla, and cinnamon-spiced oatmeal raisin cookies wrapped in old pipe tobacco leaves.
Finish: This all coalesces on the finish with the spice, oats, tart red fruit, and vanilla playing second fiddle to the dry firewood and slightly spiced tobacco end.
Initial Thoughts:
This is also tasty AF. It’s classic and touches on a twinge of crafty local grain vibes (with the oatmeal cookie vibe). I like this a lot. Not quite as much as the last pour, but extremely close.
Taste 3
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose opens with dark stewed cherries and spiced prune compote next to cinnamon waffles with a hint of maple syrup and dark chocolate chips.
Palate: The palate is pure silk with notes of Cherry Coke next to clove-studded oranges dipped in dark chocolate with a flake of salt with whispers of apple fritters, eggnog spices, and singed cherry bark with maybe a hint of apple wood in the background.
Finish: The end has a subtle warmth thanks to wintry mulled wine spices that lead to fresh pipe tobacco kissed with dates and chocolate and packed into an old cedar box for safekeeping.
Initial Thoughts:
This is just excellent. It’s pure classic bourbon with a deep profile that just keeps giving.
Taste 4
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Cinnamon, butter brown sugar, walnut, and raisins meld on the nose with some vanilla to create a moist oatmeal cookie next to buckwheat pancakes griddled in brown butter and topped with apple butter, and maybe some apricot jam with a dash of nutmeg, dark chocolate shavings, and creamy vanilla whipped cream.
Palate: The palate leans into cherry hand pies and vanilla wafers with a counter of dried wild sage, orchard tree bark, and meaty dates.
Finish: The end has a sharp turn into dried red chili pepper cut with pipe tobacco, dark chocolate bars, cedar bark, burnt orange, and lime leaves with this whisper of cinnamon cookies at the very end.
Initial Thoughts:
This is a “wow” pour of whiskey.
Taste 5
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Cherry pie with plenty of winter spice leads off on the nose with buttery brown sugar, tart red berries, and walnut shells.
Palate: The palate opens with burnt orange, salted caramel, and more of those tart berries swimming in rich vanilla cream before a hint of spicy warmth arrives.
Finish: The end leans into brown sugar and winter spice-laced butter with walnut tobacco leaves wrapped in vanilla husks and cedar bark.
Initial Thoughts:
This is a very solid and classically hewn bourbon. I like it a lot but it’s more “classic” than “wow,” if that makes sense.
Taste 6
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There’s a whole fruit basket of fruitiness with stone fruit really shining through — think apricots and peaches — next to old tart apples, cinnamon sticks, toffees dusted with crushed almonds, and a murmur of chamomile tea.
Palate: The palate has a dry crafty graininess that’s akin to oatmeal cookie dough wrapped in corn husks with a hint of nuttiness, brown sugar, cinnamon, and something slightly floral but woody.
Finish: The end brings the apricot back as a spicy jam with a little vanilla creaminess and tannic florals.
Initial Thoughts:
This is a fruit bomb on the nose that gives way to a dry grain crafty body. It’s deep and interesting with an enticing profile.
Taste 7
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this is both soft and bold with sharp winter spices next to an orange cream pie with singed meringue and a hint of sour berries (cranberry maybe?) that’s all accented by a big dry sweetgrass note.
Palate: The palate then veers into dry lemongrass and ginger with drier green reeds next to a light touch of salted caramel drizzled over lemon pudding.
Finish: The ginger and woody vanilla lead back into the dry grass as the sour berries attach to a soft and chewy tobacco leaf.
Initial Thoughts:
This was a very dry craft whiskey. It balances that dryness with a nice deep classic bourbon vibe. It’s not too shabby by the end.
Taste 8
Zach Johnston
Tasting Notes:
Nose: This is sweet on the nose with apple orchards, corn mush, vanilla cake, and honeyed biscuits.
Palate: The palate builds on the sweet nose with dark winter spices, soft oak, and a nice balance of vanilla and caramel.
Finish: The end is short and sweet but sticks with you with a classic orchard fruit/vanilla/caramel vibe.
Initial Thoughts:
This is classic bourbon but the thinnest pour on the list by far. It’s totally fine but didn’t really stand up to some of the crazy pours on this list.
Part 2 — The Craft Bourbon Ranking
Zach Johnston
8. Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey, A Blend — Taste 8
Colorado’s mountain-high Breckenridge has had some incredible releases. This whiskey is a blend of three-year-old Colorado bourbons made up in the Rocky Mountains and proofed with water from the glaciers.
Bottom Line:
This is perfectly good bourbon. It’s on the thinner side (thanks to those lower ABVs), so I’d focus on grabbing this in a cocktail the next time I’m in Denver.
This whiskey from indie-darling Jeptha Creed is all about local corn. The mash is built with 75% Bloody Butcher Corn next to 20% malted rye and a mere 5% malted barley. That distillate spends a few years chilling in new oak before it’s batched, cut to proof, and bottled as-is.
Bottom Line:
This is an interesting bourbon that bridges the drier grain crafty vibes with stone-cold classic Kentucky bourbon vibes. It’s a good balance but doesn’t feel like it commits fully to either feel. Still, this is worth checking out if you’re distillery hoping in Kentucky this summer.
6. 291 Bad Guy Colorado Bourbon Whiskey Aspen Stave Finished — Taste 6
This Colorado whiskey is made from a mix of local corn, malted wheat, malted rye, and beech-smoked malted barley. As per 291’s classic aging methods, the whiskey is aged for about two years with aspen wood staves in the barrel to accelerate the aging process. Finally, this is batched and bottled as-is.
Bottom Line:
This is where we get into the really good stuff. This has great depth. The only reason it’s lower in the ranking is that it is so fruit-forward that it starts to border on “one note” a tad. Still, if you’re looking for a fruity bourbon with a classic aura, this is a great option.
5. Redwood Empire Whiskey Grizzly Beast Bottled in Bond Batch #002 — Taste 5
The latest batch of Redwood Empire’s Grizzly Beast is a four-grain bourbon. The California whiskey was made with 69% corn, 22% rye, 5% malted barley, and a mere 4% wheat. After five years of maturation, 26 barrels were picked for this batch. Those barrels were vatted and the whiskey was just kissed with pure water from a local Russian River Valley aquifer.
Bottom Line:
I probably would have guessed that this was a Kentucky bourbon. It feels so classically that with a deep profile that just keeps delivering flavor notes. This is California only for the most part, but 100% worth seeing out if you’re hitting Sonoma, Napa, or anywhere in NoCal this summer. Take a case home if you can.
Frey Ranch is all about the farm behind the whiskey. In this case, that’s a 165+-year-old farm in the Sierra Nevada basin near Lake Tahoe in Nevada. The grains (corn, wheat, rye, and barley), fermentation, distilling, aging, and bottling all happen on-site at Frey Ranch.
Bottom Line:
This is just really freaking good whiskey. It’s also just the baseline of the wonderful stuff coming out of Frey Ranch right now, so this is technically their cocktail bourbon. That aside, this is a must-stop if you’re in the Lake Tahoe area. Get some!
3. Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber’s Bottled-In-Bond Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Taste 3
This new release from Huber Farm’s Starlight Distillery (the distillery to know if you’re in the know) is made from their high-corn mash with a sweet mash method (each batch is fresh) in their old copper pot still. The whiskey is barreled in Canton barrels and left to age on the farm for four years before it’s batched (only 20 barrels) and proofed down to 100 proof for bottling.
Bottom Line:
This small family-run distillery about 20 minutes north of Louisville is doing amazing work. This bottle is the perfect gateway into the wider world of Starlight and an absolute banger whiskey. You’re going to need to take a detour the next time you’re hitting the KY Bourbon Trail. Trust me, that extra 20-minute drive is worth it for whiskey this good.
This craft darling from Washington state is all about local ingredients. The mash is rendered from locally grown corn, rye, and barley. The spirit is distilled in Western Washington and then shipped to Eastern Washington to age for at least five years. That whiskey is then batched and bottled as-is with no fussing or cutting.
Bottom Line:
This whiskey is an absolute banger. The profile just keeps going and going, revealing more and more classic bourbon notes. It’s just delicious. You can also now get this outside of Washington. So click that link above and get some. You will not be disappointed.
1. Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled In Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey Vintage Series Fall 2018 — Taste 4
The latest seasonal drop from Tennessee’s Chattanooga Whiskey is another great. The whiskey is a blend of four of their mash bills. 30% comes from mash bill SB091, which is a mix of yellow corn, malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley. Another 30% comes from mash bill B002, which has yellow corn, hardwood smoked malted barley (smoked with beech, mesquite, apple, or cherry), caramel malted barley, caramel malted, and honey malted barley. The next 20% is mash bill B005, which is yellow corn, malted wheat, oak smoked malted wheat, and caramel malted wheat. And the last 20% is from mash bill R18098, which is yellow corn, pale malted barley, naked malted oats, double roasted caramel malted barley, peated malted barley, cherrywood smoked malted barley, chocolate malt, and de-husked chocolate malt.
Bottom Line:
While I loved a lot of whiskey on this list, this one truly stood above the rest. It just goes so deep and in so many amazingly tasty directions while still feeling classic, nostalgic, and somehow comforting. It’s an amazing balance. While you don’t have to go to Tennessee to buy this one (just click that price link), it’s worth dipping into the distillery to meet the awesome team making this fantastic whiskey.
Make sure to take as many home as they let you buy.
Part 3 — Final Thoughts on the Craft Bourbons
Zach Johnston
What a great panel of whiskeys. Truly, there wasn’t a bad pour in the whole bunch.
I’d focus on the top four or five if I was looking for something great to add to my shelf. In the end, though, I’d focus on those top two for a real “wow” pour of whiskey. They’re very different (and from different ends of the country) but they both deliver such a quality sipping experience that you will not be disappointed.
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